Greek Religion

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The primary religion of Greece is Christian Orthodox, with 97% of the population adhering to this religion. The religions that make up the other 3% are Muslim, Jewish, and Roman Catholic. The Orthodox Church constitutes the third largest sphere of Christianity after Roman Catholics and the Protestants. The founder of Orthodoxy (“right belief”) was the Emperor Constantine the Great, who was supposedly converted to Christianity in the 4th century after receiving a vision of the cross.

The effects of religion can be felt in many different aspects of Greek life. The education system of Greece teaches obligatory religious courses and prayer is a part of the classroom each morning. The Orthodox Church is also very connected with politics so much so that when a decision is made contrary to Orthodox principals, there is great dissatisfaction conveyed from the church’s representatives. The waves of this Christian Orthodoxy can still be felt upon the shores of Greece’s traditions, beliefs, and religious feasts.

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Related Greece: The People and Culture Articles

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• Greece: The People and Culture Overview
• The People of Greece
• The Culture of Greece
• Greek Traditions
• Greek Music
• Greek Religion
• Food and Wine
• Final Thoughts